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Rheumatoid arthritis. From bench to bedside.
1Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland. i.b.mcinnes@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America
|June 9, 2001
Summary
Advancing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment requires exploring combination biologic therapies and patient-specific approaches. Future genomic and bioinformatic insights will refine diagnostic criteria for better disease management.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Significant progress in understanding RA synovial inflammation has led to cytokine-targeting therapies.
- Current therapies offer some efficacy but fall short of optimal disease suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore innovative biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- To achieve routine American College of Rheumatology "70% responses" or disease remission.
- To design patient-specific therapies based on individual disease characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Investigating combination biologic approaches targeting different disease processes (e.g., T cells, cytokines, angiogenic factors).
- Integrating data from the Human Genome Project and gene array analysis.
- Developing advanced information technology for managing large-scale genomic data.
Main Results:
- Potential for greater disease suppression through combination therapies.
- Anticipated impact of genomic and bioinformatic approaches on diagnostics.
- Need for enhanced information technology to process vast biological data.
Conclusions:
- Future RA treatment should focus on combination biologics and personalized medicine.
- Genomic and bioinformatic data necessitate re-evaluation of diagnostic criteria, incorporating genotype and biologic response.
- Close physician-scientist communication is crucial for advancing RA care.